‘Smiling Nathan will always be an inspiration’
Nathan Day changed our lives and taught us how to appreciate life and everything in it, He was a hero and we will never forget him,” said Nathan’s closets friends Kyle Bonorchisand Michel Roberts after their 1 /-year-old friend died from a rare form of brain cancer on 14 April.
“Despite his illness, he always remained positive and happy, showing his friends and family that no matter how tough it gets you must remain strong,” adds Kyle.
This sentiment is echoed by Greg Hassenkamp, the principal of Hermanus High School where Nathan was a student “He had such a fighting spirit, one that I couldn’t believe anyone can possibly have. He will be sorely missed by everyone at school”
Nathan, who was born in Hermanus in 2001, was well-known as an avid swimmer, bodyboarder and surfer, who during his time at Hermanus High School set records in swimming for both the breaststroke and freestyle. “He won the Boland Junior Championships in 2015, the same year that he was first diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour,” says mom Tracy Day.
Tracy says Nathan was a very active and happy young man. “He grew up here, made friends here and loved to spend his time
at the beach or skating and longboarding for hours in the streets
She says after Nathan’s diagnosis he underwent a major brain operation, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. In April 2016 Nathan was clear of cancer. “Following those tough months Nathan was homeschooled for the remainder of that year.
“It was during the same year that Nathan got to return to Jeffrey’s Bay (where he first started noticing symptoms the previous year) for the JBay Open Surfing Championships on a trip to celebrate his victory over cancer. There he got to meet champion surfers Mick Fanning, Kelly Slater and many more, who were all an inspiration to him. It was at the same time that Nathan fell in love with the joys of making and growing Bonsai trees.”
According to Tracy, by mid-2017 cancer had returned, and Nathan had three more major brain operations, followed by chemotherapy. Despite the battles he fought, Nathan stayed positive and never once complained about the situation he was placed in.
His family describes him as a real warrior and an inspiration to all those who knew him. Nathan loved his friends and
his family and was able to stay at peace with his tough times because, as he said to Tracy while in the Intensive Care Unit: “I feel so calm and so at peace and loved by God.”
In 2018 Nathan realised a lifelong dream of going overseas thanks to friends of the family. Nathan, Tracy and dad Anthony visited Switzerland in February and March. “For the whole month, Nathan was strong and well enough to see and enjoy so many things. It was a cherished time for the whole family,” says Tracy.
Nathan’s surfer friends paddled into the sea at Onrus shortly after his passing to create the letter N with their surfboards in the ocean.
Despite having left a gaping hole in the hearts of those who knew him, Nathan will stay in the hearts and memories of all those he influenced. He will stand as an example of positivity, strength and courage. Nathan’s bright and constant smile will stand as an example of how we should never cease to live our lives to the happiest and fullest
Nathan leaves behind his parents and sisters, Cloe and Caylin. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday 25 April at 1100 at the Lewende Water Church in De Goede Street.